Cheap Hotels in Singapore:
Tips & Recommendations

Hotel 81 Dickson - a good-value budget hotel in singapore.

Photo:
Hotel 81 Dickson is a highly-rated budget hotel in Singapore.

Are all cheap hotels in Singapore the same?

Which ones are worth my time?

On this page...

[Before you book cheap hotels]

[3 good & cheap Singapore hotels]

How to Select Cheap Hotels in Singapore

When it comes to cheap hotels in Singapore, 'cheap' does not always mean 'good'.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you book any cheap hotel in Singapore:

1. Where is the hotel located?

Some travellers have gone online, and happily booked the lowest-priced Singapore hotel. Then they turn up at the hotel, only to realise that it is in the heart of the red light district! Yes, many of the cheap hotels in Singapore are in the red light district.

For some, staying in the red light district is fine. For others, it's a nasty shock.

Don't get me wrong - the red light districts in Singapore are safe places. And the prostitutes will generally leave you alone. But if you plan on staying there, you're likely to find prostitutes looking for business near the entrance of your hotel.

So, a lot depends on you.

2. Does the hotel offer an hourly rate?

An hourly rate could mean this:

Guests are welcome to use the hotel for those 'ah-hem' activities. This is especially so if the hotel is in or around the red light districts.

There are exceptions, of course. For example, hotels at the airport and at the East Coast Park do offer hourly rates. But they are family friendly hotels.

3. Where are the red light districts in Singapore?

The even numbered streets in Geylang from Lorong 2 to Lorong 34. This area is generally considered the main red light district in Singapore.
Tiny sections of Desker Road and Joo Chiat Road.
The sex business in these 2 areas is very low-key, usually restricted to the back alleys. If you don't go looking for them, you won't even know they exist.

Look at your shortlist of cheap hotels in Singapore. Are they in the red light district? Most hotel websites will not tell you. But you can now check your hotel's address against the street names above.

On the flip side, these areas are extremely vibrant spots. They are worth a visit even if you are not staying there. For example, you'll find lots of good food in Geylang. These are also places to see the seedier, more candid side of Singapore.

Cheap Hotels in Singapore:
3 Recommendations

If you want to stay away from the red light district, here are 3 (good) cheap hotels in Singapore to consider. Room rates for all the following hotels are in the US$50-100 range (as of September 2009).

Victoria Hotel Singapore

Victoria Hotel Singapore - double room.

Photo:
A double room at Victoria Hotel Singapore.

Simple and clean 3 star hotel.
5 minutes' walk to City Hall MRT Station.
5 minutes' walk to major shopping areas and eateries:
- Bugis Junction
- Raffles City
- Bras Basah Complex
  (books galore!)
- Queen Street
Free internet access.
Friendly hotel staff.